Idaho news. (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1887-1891, 1887-12-03
PeYiIs Of Mexican Staging.

Mr.. Edgar Wood had two thousand
silver dollars in ten-dollar rolls nicely
packed in a valise with few toilet
articles, md twelve thousand dollars
in bank notes and bills Of exchange
sewed into thin belt worn about his
person. In an outside belt, elegantly
embroidered, he wore a superbly jew
elled revolver, warranted to be useful
as weapon at long range in thehand
of self-collected man resting under
safe shelter.
As to other personal furniture, his
comfortable figure was adorned with
fine gold watch possessing a ma
tional reputation for beauty and
value throughout the Republic of
Mexico, and n hat covered with gold
lace and bangles that made it the
envy OF all the beaux in town.
Under these conditions Mr.. Edgar
Wood entered the ten-muie stage that
stood il the patio Of the Hotel Itur-
bide for trip down the country to
pay off three thousand laborers a
months wages.
The stage started ont amid the usu-
al hubbub. The driver gathered up his
lines, shouted at all the mules togeth-
err and at each mule by name. The
assistant driver seized the whip and
added its resounding crack to his vo-
ciferous entreaties and denunciations.
The two outriders ran alongthe sides
OF the team, shouted and swore ard
pelted the mules with stones, while
ten bows OF cowbells suspended above
the ten collars, added their clangor to
the confusion. and the whole cortege
rolled over the toughest cobble-stone
pavement on the American continent,
awakening an angry city from its
comfortable slumbers.
The wealthy contractor was alone
this morning. and he occupied every
corner of the stage in such rapid sue
ression and varied positions that
II the City of Mexico had
been twice as broad as it was
be must have been disagreeable jelly
before reaching the suburbs. As il
was, however, the grand exhibition o
style and enterprise was soon over
end the team settled down to thu
comfortable habit of the country, {
very slow trot on rather soft roads
while the passenger settled himself il
the corner, lighted Vera Cruz ciga
and began to indulge in the pleasure
oil imagination.
This month";" he considered, evil
cost me $4,000. for which outla!
the Government pays me 500, 1000
which is $4,000 clear gam. In tw'
more | shall be Ia good trim and thel
! / shall ask old Juarez for Emilia.
\ think she admired me last night whel
/ l said my adieu;" and he looked a
! his nistol, his fine watch and elegan
! hat and-a rifle ball whistled throug
| the coach window, followed by a CON
mand of "Pararse!" halt.
There is no discussing such an orde
! riven under such circumstances.
1t was not possible for Mr.. Wood {
say Just how he looked, but he fel
very pale, when a pleasant, gentl,
manly voice at the window Inquired
''Have l the Honor of addressin
Eenor Edgaro Wood"
THAT is my name, sir,
"Ah, Don Edgaro, am so sorry t
have to modest you in your journe!
but won't you do me the favor t
Might for a momentg"
Now, if there was one quality c
which that gentleman prided himse
4 more than on another 1t was the 81
periority of his manners. He wa
known as the polite American OF Mex
TO, and so when addressed a simp
request in such courteous terms
was lain to comply.
He, therefore, aiighted, and tried
do so promptly, but his motions wei
not so graceful as usual; there SCENE
q tremulous excitement, almost
Etagcer, in his movements, when
looked about him.
Four men, armed with cutlasse
rifles and revolvers, stood ready
receive him. The upper half OF eat
face was covered with a black mas
They were evidently natives, save on
whose head broader than the othe
at the temples and ruddy face belo
tho mask ending in thin, trouzl
two .colored goatee seemed to indlca
nm Eprlshman. Mr.. Wood, moth
him carefully, thought he had SCI
him before, but failed in every atteml
to place him.
.'Senor Wood. said the spokesm'
advancing, ~ am pleased to meet "
aud regret that you are not able tol
ciproeate the cordial sentiments e
tertain for you. l must say, Amigu
10. YOU wear charming hat and si
things are so common to you thai
am sure there will be no obstacle
an exchange. See what a poor TIN
wear and so unsuited to my yea
and positionins society," IL fits well, to
And also, Senior Wood, you are 50
to possoss an excellent watch; th'
sir, would be an extremely convene
article to have in my possession th
] may be prompt IN meeting the sts
and thus avoid tiresome Watching.
will accept It with Your permission
Mr.. Wood was rapidly learning
adapt himself TO circumstances.
knew he must submit TO being str
ped, so. handing over the watch VI
the best grace possible he said, with
smile and a how, MAY present y
: with a pistol, as good as there Is
the Republic. except your own.
: "Aa. Ssnorl now you Halter me
....k "a =, ,,ntsr mama AnilFtltllO -